How to Use a 72" Flexible Drill Bit to Run New Electrical Through Studs & Fire Block | Flex Shank

Minimize drywall repairs when you use a flexible drill bit to run new electrical through studs and fire block.

Here is the blog post mentioned in the video for more tips:
https://www.justneedspaint.com/run-new-electrical-through-studs-use-flexible-drill-bit/

As with many of our projects, we did some research, but discovered (the hard way) some of our own tips to use a flexible drill bit. Use these sanity saving tips to make your drop easier!

A flexible drill bit is also known as a flex shank drill bit, bell hanger drill bit, flexible installer drill bit with an auger tip. Whatever you want to call this kind of drill bit, it is a lengthy piece of steel that you attach on to the end of your drill and then attempt to hit the stud (not the drywall). When you encounter a fire block half way down the wall you generally want a 72" drill bit to handle the distance and give you some flexiblity coming from the top or side.

Tip #1 Wear safety gear.
Tip #2: Angle is the real game changer when using a flexible drill bit.
Tip #3: You’ll need a hole big enough to work with.
Tip #4: Push as hard as you can horizontally so the tip of the flexible drill bit is angled down.
Tip #5: Drill in short spurts.
Tip #6: Have a spotter inside.
Tip #7. There are two very useful holes on a long flexible drill bit.
Tip #8: The fiberglass glow stick will probably need to be longer than the flexible drill bit.
Tip #9: You'll need a bullet nose attachment to run new electrical through studs or fire block with fiberglass glow sticks.
Tip #10: Pay attention to which end of the glow stick extends to the line you want to fish.
Tip #11: The long flex bit with an auger tip needs to be wider than the mechanism used to fish the wire.
Tip #12: Did I just make a hole in fireblock? Isn’t it supposed to be sealed? --definitely check out the post for this answer.

Flexible drill bits are one of those esoteric tools you rarely use, but are really necessary when you need them. Whether you choose a
flex shank..